MA Senate Votes On Study Of Injection Sites

Jul 20, 2018

(Getty Images/Irina274)

BOSTON (24/7 NewsSource/WBZ-AM) -- The state Senate is voting to commission a study into the possibility of creating injection sites where people could take illegal drugs in a safe, controlled environment. Users would also have the option to seek counseling, or referrals for inpatient treatment.

The Senate vote came after lawmakers backed away from passing a measure that would have actually created the injection sites. Governor Charlie Baker has expressed strong concerns about the possible injection sites. Some lawmakers want the sites to allow people to use drugs under the watchful eye of medical officials to prevent overdose deaths.

A House version of a similar bill to combat the opioid crisis does not include a provision for these sorts of sites--but other cities across the U.S., including New York and Seattle, are working on similar plans.

There is a chance the idea might not come to fruition. U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling says facilities like this would violate federal law--and anyone who works or uses the site would be subject to federal criminal charges, regardless of any state law that is passed.